So, you want to compete at a cutting horse competition.

Do you know the rules?

It’s pretty important to know what they are… If you expect to win anything.

I judge occasionally.

So below are a few things I look for.

It would be good if you knew the rules and the way cutting horse competition is judged.

If you start your run with a bad cut, the judge is looking for a way to eliminate you.

If you start your run with a good cut and control the cow, the judge is on your side and looking to place you in the money.

Here’s the real deal… don’t give the judge an excuse to eliminate you.

Give him the opportunity to mark you as high as possible.

Here’s what’s important…

Make your cuts as clean as possible in the middle of the arena. Meaning, you have your cow set up in the middle of the pen and your horse is “faced up” ready to move either right or left.

Control the cow. Keep your horse even with the cow. Your horse doesn’t need to be a super star to score well. He just needs to be correct and in control.

Do a good job of showing and even a disadvantaged horse has the chance to win.

A few more pointers…

Work the cow as long as you can while maintaining control.

Quit the cow while you are still in good shape… controlling the cow.

All throughout your run, have the look on your face that conveys you’re in control and knows exactly what you are doing.

Judges like to see a contestant who is confident and expects to win.

Adopt that look and you’ll win more than you ever imagined.

Above all, represent yourself as a good sportsman and model yourself as an example of good horsemanship.

Keep in mind, we all had to start from somewhere.

Some of us from the bottom of the pile and some of us more advantaged.

Whatever the case, we are all here to enjoy our horse and have a good time competing.

I you want to learn all you can about training and showing a cutting horse, CLICK HERE!

Until I see you again, enjoy your cutting horse and may good luck come your way.

Larry Trocha
HorseTrainingVideos.com